How the IMI Lab Sparked a Career in the Music Industry
How the IMI Lab Sparked a Career in the Music Industry
Meet Nesta Belt! A young professional who has found his passion at the intersection of tourism and the music industry. A recent graduate of Tourism Management at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Haarlem, Nesta’s journey wasn’t always so clear-cut. Like many students, he started his studies feeling unsure about his future. The isolation of the pandemic in his first two years made him question whether he was on the right path.
Everything changed in his third year when Nesta had the opportunity to choose a minor. He opted for the International Music Industry Lab (IMI Lab), and that decision turned out to be a defining moment. During this program, he discovered how his knowledge of tourism could be applied to the dynamic world of music. Collaborating with partners like Elrow and Utopia Music, Nesta got his first taste of working on real-world music industry projects – and he loved it.
A Research Project That Struck a Chord
Nesta’s personal research at the IMI Lab focused on a captivating topic: the deliberate choices techno artists make to bring their audience into a state of euphoria. His research aimed to uncover how these artists create a connection with their crowd, aligning everyone on the same emotional wavelength. Nesta conducted interviews with numerous artists, immersing himself in the process and uncovering a deep passion for research.
The freedom at the IMI Lab to choose his own research topic and work independently suited Nesta perfectly. Supported by coaches who provided guidance but not rigid instructions, he thrived in an environment that encouraged exploration and creativity.
From Inspiration to Action
When his time at the IMI Lab came to an end, Nesta was ready for his internship. Initially, he had secured a placement in the tourism sector, but his mentors encouraged him to aim higher. Inspired by his experience at the lab, he reached out to Festival Travel, a division of ID&T – the world’s largest dance event organization.
Nesta landed a PR and communications internship with Festival Travel, working on projects for iconic events like the Sziget Festival in Hungary. His role combined elements of tourism and events, and he realized this was exactly where he wanted to be. The experience solidified his love for the music industry and confirmed he was on the right path.
A Graduation Project with Real Impact
For his final project, Nesta collaborated with Zuidoost City, the marketing organization for Amsterdam Southeast. His mission? To help boost the visibility of Amsterdam Zuidoost during the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals. Despite ADE’s international fame, this part of the city often flies under the radar.
Nesta worked closely with hotel managers to find ways for them to actively promote ADE and increase engagement with the local area. From designing promotional materials to brainstorming in-hotel events, he developed practical solutions that bridged the gap between tourism, events, and community engagement.
The Road Ahead
With his portfolio complete and his final defense around the corner, Nesta is ready to take the next step. The IMI Lab didn’t just ignite his passion for the music industry – it gave him the confidence to pursue it. He’s already applying to major event organizations and knows he’s found his calling in the vibrant world of music and events.
Nesta’s journey is a testament to the power of finding your passion and having the right support to guide you along the way. For him, the IMI Lab was the springboard to a future filled with music, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.